Future policy will work for whole farming industry, PM says

Theresa May answered a question during PMQs about British food production post-Brexit (Photo: Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)
Theresa May answered a question during PMQs about British food production post-Brexit (Photo: Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)

The Prime Minister has acknowledged that the government will deliver a policy that will work for the whole farming industry post-Brexit.

Conservative MP Simon Hoare questioned the Prime Minister on food security and food production during Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday (16 May).

Mr Hoare asked if food security and production is "at the heart of future UK agricultural policy".

He asked: "Animal welfare and environmental standards are key. Can the Prime Minister reassure UK farmers that food security and food production will be at heart of future UK agricultural policy?"

Theresa May said Mr Hoare "raised an important point and is absolutely right to do so".

She said post-Brexit, the government will deliver a farming policy that works for the whole industry.

Mrs May said British food and farming has a great reputation for the quality that has been built on high animal welfare standards, high environmental standards and on the dedication of farmers across the country.

The NFU welcomed Simon Hoare's question to the PM. It said the country will benefit from a safe, traceable and secure supply of food.

The government has received more than 44,000 responses for Defra's consultation on the future for food, farming and the environment once the UK leaves the EU.

In the last week alone, nearly 20,000 responses were submitted to the ‘Health & Harmony’ consultation which closed on Tuesday 8 May.

It is considered the biggest government consultation on farming since 1947.